The Franklin College Board of Trustees has elected a new member, David H. “Dave” Dunkle, M.D., of Greenwood, Indiana. 

Dunkle is the President/CEO of Franklin-based Johnson Memorial Health (JMH). He also serves as vice president of medical affairs for JMH and vice president of the JMH Foundation. He was a longtime family physician with JMH prior to his appointment as President/CEO in May 2019.

Along with loyalty to his alma mater, Dunkle brings an impressive record in business leadership and community service to his new role as a Franklin College Trustee. The 1994 graduate was a standout basketball player and was distinguished as the institution’s first Academic All-American and NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient. Dunkle went on to graduate from the Indiana University School of Medicine and subsequently the University of Massachusetts, where he earned his MBA.

Franklin College President Kerry N. Prather said, “I am proud to have Dr. Dunkle appointed to the board of trustees. From his days as a successful scholar-athlete at Franklin College to his postgraduate years as a distinguished physician and health care leader, he has demonstrated a strong work ethic, an eagerness to enhance community collaboration and a commitment to excellence in all endeavors. There are many opportunities for future college growth and progress, and Dr. Dunkle brings significant experience and insight that will be valuable to those efforts.”

Dunkle completed medical residency at St. Francis Hospital in Indianapolis, then returned to Franklin to practice medicine. He enthusiastically re-engaged with his alma mater, serving for 16 years as the Franklin College Health Centers visiting physician. Over the years, Dunkle also hosted students for observational and clinical experiences in his family medical practice, and he participated on panel discussions for Franklin College’s pre-professional students. He has spoken on campus to student-athletes about the negative physical effects of alcohol use, and more recently has been an institutional resource on COVID-19 safety and mitigation.

Franklin College Board of Trustees Chair James V. Due said, “Dr. Dunkle has done so much already as a member of the alumni community, and I know he will continue to bring that same pride and passion for the college into his trustee role. The board looks forward to his partnership in helping guide the college toward reaching its strategic goals.”

Eager to attend his first board of trustees meeting in October, Dunkle said, “I look forward to helping Franklin College fulfill its mission, and I’m ready to help recruit top student talent, become acquainted with more of the faculty and get involved in strategy. I’d like to see the college keep moving forward in establishing itself as a great leader among peers in higher education.”

The Franklin College Board of Trustees is the institution’s governing body. The board includes a maximum of 40 elected voting members, each serving a three-year term. The board’s primary roles include authority and responsibility for establishing the character, purpose, and policies of the college, instituting and supporting fundraising efforts, establishing and reviewing educational programs, approving academic degrees and establishing the college’s annual budget. In addition, the board authorizes construction of new buildings and renovations on existing facilities, changes in tuition and fees, purchases of land, buildings and major equipment, and faculty tenure appointments. All members serve on working committees in support of these areas, and there is a board chair who serves as primary liaison to the college president.

For more information, please contact the Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.

POSTED Aug 18, 2021